Hal Steinbrenner: Payroll staying “within the same level”  —  After attending the Yankees organizational meetings the past two days in Tampa, Hal Steinbrenner did a pair of radio interviews this afternoon — one on ESPN, one on WFAN — to discuss the state of the Yankees and what comes next.

Mets will interview Wally Backman, Chip Hale for manager after hiring J.P. Ricciardi in front office  —  New Mets general manager Sandy Alderson spent his first full day in his Citi Field office Tuesday beginning to schedule managerial interviews and announcing a high-profile front office acquisition in J.P. Ricciardi.

Giants won World Series despite draft failures  —  The San Francisco Giants have their own stupidity to thank for their first World Series title.  —  It's true.  If the Giants didn't run their organization in such boneheaded fashion in the early part of this century, they wouldn't have pig-piled …

Rodriguez to remain Marlins manager  —  Official annoucement expected Wednesday  —  Florida Marlins interim manager Edwin Rodriguezwatches his team during batting practice before a baseball game against the San Diego Padres on Friday, June 25, 2010, in Miami.  (AP/ Photo/J Pat Carter) (J Pat Carter, AP / June 25, 2010)

Francona on Young: ‘This was an important hire’  —  Red Sox manager Terry Francona knew in September that it was likely he'd be losing John Farrell from his coaching staff.  But before Farrell left his position as pitching coach to become manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, Francona asked for his advice on potential replacements.

Sparky Anderson is seriously ill  —  Tom Gage of the Detroit News tweets what is easily the saddest news I've heard in a while: Former Reds and Tigers manager Sparky Anderson is seriously ill, and is in hospice care.  According to his family he's suffering from “complications resulting from dementia.”

Coco Crisp's option is being picked up by the A's  —  Behold the future of baseball reporting: Coco Crisp tweets his own contract status, telling the world that the A's are picking up his option.  He says he's happy about it.  Of course, in the very next tweet he says he's happy …

Carton: Moss In NJ Tuesday, Met With Members Of Jets  —  NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) - According to WFAN's Craig Carton, Randy Moss was in New Jersey Tuesday meeting with members of the Jets.  —  “Randy Moss, I've learned, was in Boston Monday, and was in New Jersey yesterday.

Infection sidelines prospect Jackson for year  —  CHICAGO — Outfielder Brett Jackson, the Cubs' No. 1 Draft pick in 2009 who had been playing in the Arizona Fall League, is done for the year after being hospitalized with a bacterial infection in his right shin.

Ex-Rays outfielder Elijah Dukes arrested on contempt charges  —  Elijah Dukes, 26, of Tampa, was arrested Monday afternoon and is being held in the Hillsborough County jail, records show.  Bail has not been set.  —  TBO.com  —  TAMPA - Former Tampa Bay Rays player Elijah Dukes has been arrested again …

Amid flurry of moves, Brewers cut ties with Hoffman  —  The Brewers on Tuesday declined 2011 contract options for pitchers Trevor Hoffman and Doug Davis and catcher Gregg Zaun, adding all three veterans to the pool of Major League free agents.  —  All three moves were widely expected.

Ravens have interest in Merriman  —  Coach John Harbaugh said Tuesday night on his WBAL radio show the Ravens would pass on wide receiver Randy Moss, but he expressed an interest in former Maryland linebacker Shawne Merriman.  Asked if he had any interest in Moss, who has been waived by the Vikings …

142 Players Become Free Agents Under Article XX B of the Basic Agreement  —  New York, NY, Monday, November 1, 2010 ... Today, following the final out of the 2010 World Series, the below 142 players became free agents pursuant to Article XX B (2) of the Basic Agreement.